KR102346578B1 - Suspended theater ride system - Google Patents

Abstract

Various embodiments of load-bearing systems include a load-bearing frame comprising three or more connection points and a surge, oscillation and yaw relative to the frame while allowing intended and/or desired surge, oscillation and yaw, such as It includes an associated set of lifts configured to define six separate triangles defining separate planes configured to withstand unintended or unwanted surges, oscillations and yaws.

Description

Suspended theater ride system {SUSPENDED THEATER RIDE SYSTEM}

Relevance to prior applications

This application claims the benefit and priority of US Provisional Application No. 62/069,428, entitled "Suspended Theater Ride System", filed on October 28, 2014 and filed on October 28, 2014.

Motion bases, including inverted motions bases, have been described in the art. However, certain of these motion bases, such as suspended motion bases, do not reduce or eliminate unwanted and/or unintended surge, sway or yaw.

Various drawings illustrating aspects of embodiments of the disclosed subject matter are included herein.
1 is a fragmentary perspective view of a portion of a first exemplary load bearing system;
FIG. 2 is a fragmentary perspective view illustrating six triangular sections defining separate planes configured to withstand surges, oscillations and yaws for a load-bearing frame;
3 is a further illustration of separate planes and an exemplary load bearing system;
4 is a perspective, partially cutaway view of an embodiment of a load bearing system illustrating an exemplary counterweight-winch configuration;
5 is a partially cut-away perspective view of an exemplary load bearing system;
6 is a partial perspective view of an exemplary second load bearing system and an exemplary first theater system;
7 is a fragmentary perspective view of an exemplary theater system from a rear perspective view;
8 is a perspective, partially cutaway view of an embodiment of a load bearing system illustrating an exemplary counterweight-winch configuration;
9A-9C are schematic diagrams of various exemplary configurations of a counterweighted lift system and examples of how these configurations achieve movement;
10A-10B are partial perspective views of an exemplary theater system from various perspectives with partial focus on seating;
12 and 13A-13D are partial cut-away perspective views of theater seating arrangements at various load, pitch, and yaw positions;
14 and 15 are partial perspective views of exemplary theater system seating arrangements;
16 is a fragmentary perspective view of a portion of an exemplary third load bearing system and amusement ride system with examples of block diagrams of various controllers;
17 is an additional fragmentary perspective view of a portion of an amusement ride system;
18 is a fragmentary perspective view of an exemplary lift configuration of an amusement equipment ride system;
19 is a fragmentary perspective view of portions of an exemplary lift configuration for an amusement ride system;
20A-20C are schematic illustrations of how a configuration without a counterweight may result in movement.

In various embodiments disclosed herein, a support frame, which may be constructed as an overhead frame, is provided to keep the frame stable and reduce or eliminate unwanted and/or unintended surges, oscillations or yaws; help maintain heave, pitch and roll; Tension members are supported through tension members that assist in manipulating the system, which is a component for ease of maintenance.

As used herein, “cable”, “rope”, “wire” and “chain” all generally refer to a flexible tensile and/or winchable element. . Moreover, as will be familiar to those skilled in the art of controllable machinery, each described controller comprising (by way of example but not limitation) a programmable system controller 290 (FIG. 6) or 490 (FIG. 19) is such a single It may be a controller, a plurality of controllers each assigned to a separate set of controlled devices, a set of redundant controllers arranged in fail-safe redundancy, or the like, or a combination thereof. Additionally, general references to a set of pulleys (e.g., pulley 11 or pulley 12) are meant to be illustrative and not restrictive, e.g. pulleys 11 and 12 necessarily include pulleys ( 44-45) is not related.

1 to 3 , in a first embodiment, the load bearing system 1 comprises a load bearing frame 20 , which has three connection points, eg connection points 21 , 22 , 23 , for example; and three lifts 10 configured to be independently controlled for the vertical positioning of one of the three connection points 21 , 22 , 23 . As illustrated in FIG. 1 , three lifts 10 ( FIG. 3 ) surge, oscillate and yaw relative to the load-bearing frame 20 while allowing intended and/or desired surge, oscillation and yaw. , defines six separate triangular sections (1,2,3,4,5,6) which additionally define separate planes configured to withstand, for example, unintended or undesired surges, oscillations and yaws. Although the lifts 10 may be configured to be independently controlled with respect to the vertical positioning of one of the three connection points 21 , 22 , 23 , the two or more lifts 10 may can be controlled to achieve synchronization.

With particular reference to FIG. 3 , each lift 10 includes a controllable winch 70 , for example a controllable winch 71 , a controllable winch 72 or a controllable winch 73 ; a set of sheaves or other pulleys 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 , 16 ; and a corresponding set of cables 30 , eg, cable 31 , cable 32 and cable 33 , which are operatively attached to a respective controllable winch 70 , each It is routed across the set of pulleys, and includes a predetermined connection point of three connection points 21 , 22 , 13 . Each of the cables 31 , 32 , 33 and the load-bearing frame 20 define two separate triangular sections of six individual triangular sections 1 to 6 . One or more connection points of the set of connection points 21 , 22 , 23 may include a pivot connection, a U-joint, or the like, or a combination thereof.

Referring also to FIG. 4 , in contemplated embodiments, one or more counterweights 40 , eg, counterweight 41 , counterweights 42 and counterweights 43 are three There is for each of the lifts 10 , each counterweight 40 operatively connected to a respective cable 30 of the three cables 31 , 32 , 33 .

Each set of pulleys of the three sets of pulleys (eg, 11 and 12, 13 and 14, and 15 and 16) is typically similar, if not identical to the other sets. Accordingly, the description that follows for one set of pulleys is similar if not identical to each of the sets of pulleys. A set of pulleys typically comprises a first pulley (eg, 11) disposed intermediate a predetermined connection point, such as connection point 22, and one counterweight 40 (eg, counterweight 41). wherein the first pulley 11 is additionally disposed proximate to a predetermined counterweight 40 (eg counterweight 41 ). The set of pulleys also includes a second pulley 12, typically disposed intermediate a predetermined connection point (eg, connection point 22) and a predetermined counterweight 40 (eg, counterweight 41). includes

Other pulleys may be present. By way of example and not limitation, and referring again to FIG. 1 , the third pulley 44 includes the first pulley 11 and its corresponding predetermined counterweight, for example a counterweight ( 41) can be placed in the middle. The fourth pulley 45 is arranged intermediate the second pulley 12 and its corresponding predetermined counterweight, for example a counterweight 41 . In certain embodiments, the set of pulleys may additionally include a first pulley (eg, 14) and a fifth pulley (eg, the second 5 pulleys 13 or 18 may be included.

Each winch 70 may be configured to receive a predetermined length of a corresponding cable 30 for a portion of the winch 70 . In certain embodiments, each winch 70 is operatively connected to a corresponding counterweight 40 .

In certain embodiments, and with reference generally also to FIG. 3 , each cable 30 has a first end (eg, first cable end 33a ) and a second end (eg, second end) cable end 33b), wherein each of the first cable end 33a and the second cable end 33b terminates in a corresponding winch 70 and/or counterweight 40. In other embodiments, the cable 30 (eg, cable 31 ) terminates (not shown) at a winch 70 or counterweight 40 ( FIG. 4 ) at a first cable end ( 31c) and a second cable end 31d terminating at a predetermined connection point, such as connection point 22, and in winch 70 or counterweight 40 (FIG. 4). a second cable 31b comprising a first cable end 31e terminating (termination not shown) and a second cable end 31f terminating at a predetermined connection point, such as a connection point 22 . .

Referring generally to FIG. 4 , in embodiments, each winch 70 may include a plurality of winches 70 , as will be familiar to those skilled in the art of machine support structures. Typically, each winch 70 further includes a selectively controllable motor 81 operatively connected to a drum 82, which includes a plurality of drums 82a, 82b (as will be apparent to those skilled in the art, the drawing not shown; for example, see FIG. 9C ) may be further included. In such configurations, each cable 30 may include a first end 31c attached to a first drum 82a and a second end 31d attached to a second drum 82b. In the contemplated embodiments, the one or more winches 70 are shown in the figures as a selectively controllable first motor 81a operatively connected to a first drum 82a (as will be apparent to those skilled in the art). not shown) and a second selectively controllable motor 81b operatively connected to the second drum 82b (not shown in the figures as will be apparent to those skilled in the art). Each of the first selectively controllable motor 81a and the second selectively controllable motor 81b may be controllable independently of each other, synchronously, etc. or combinations thereof.

A winch controller 84 is typically present and in operative communication with one or more or three controllable winches 70 . In embodiments, winch controller 84 includes two or more winch controllers 84 (eg, each controllable winch 70 ) that may be arranged redundantly or independently. It includes a separate winch controller 84 for

Referring generally to FIG. 5 , in certain embodiments, a load carrier 52 is present and connected to the load bearing frame 20 . Although illustrated as a passenger seating area, the load carrier 52 may be of any suitable type, including, but not limited to, a common cargo carrier such as a pallet or container platform. In some of these embodiments, the load carrier 52 is suspended from the load bearing frame 20 , for example by suspending below the load bearing frame 20 .

In certain embodiments, a lift support 60 , eg rails, etc., may be present and configured to support one or more lifts 10 . Where a lift support 60 is present, one or more lift movers 62 may also be present and operatively connected to the supported lift 10 . These lift movers 60 typically provide controlled movement of the supported lift 10 and/or some of its components (eg, pulley 14 ) relative to a predetermined planar lift support 60 . is configured to allow These controlled movements may be independent of the different controlled movements of each selectively controllable mover 62, may be performed synchronously, or may be performed in a combination thereof.

Referring now generally to FIGS. 6-18 , in a second embodiment, the seating system 200 is a load comprising a vertical guide 202 , a lift support 260 , and a load bearing frame 220 . and one or more passenger carriers 252 connected to a bearing system 206 and a load bearing frame 220 . Passenger carrier 252 is typically configured to support a plurality of human passengers.

The vertical guide 202 includes one or more supports 207 , each comprising an upper portion 204 ; a lower portion 203 disposed opposite the upper portion; and a counterweight guide 205 disposed between the upper portion 204 and the lower portion 203 .

The lift support 260 is connected to the support 207 proximate the upper portion 204 .

A load bearing system 206 , typically supported by a lift frame 260 , includes a load bearing frame 220 comprising three connection points 221 , 222 , 223 and three lifts 210 , the three lifts 210 . The lifts 210 may be configured to be controlled independently of each other to achieve independent vertical positioning of one of the three connection points 221 , 222 , 223 . As is the case with the first embodiment, these controlled movements may each be independent of the different controlled movements of the selectively controllable motor 281 , may be performed synchronously, or a combination thereof.

Also as in the case of the first embodiment, the three lifts 210 consist of six separate triangular sections 1, 2, 3, which define separate planes configured to withstand surges, oscillations and yaws relative to the frame. 4,5,6) are specified. Each lift 210 typically includes a counterweight 240 (at least partially within the counterweight guide 205 ), such as counterweights 241 , 242 , 243 , which are movably disposed relative to the counterweight guide 205 . may be construed as including deploying); a controllable winch 270 operatively connected to its associated counterweight 240; a set of pulleys 211,212,213,214,215,216; and a set of cables 230 operatively attached to a particular controllable winch 270 and routed over a set of pulleys to one of the three connection points 221 , 222 , 223 (eg , cables 231,232,233 (FIG. 10A)). Each set of cables 230 and load bearing frame 220 defines two separate triangles of six separate triangles.

One or more winches 270 may be disposed proximate the bottom portion 209 of the vertical guide 202 and counterbalance to move the counterweights 240 within the associated counterweight guide 205 . operatively connected to a corresponding set of weights 240 . In such configurations, the set of pulleys 211 , 212 , 213 , 214 , 215 , 216 is typically disposed about the lift support 260 .

Referring also to FIGS. 8, 9A, 9B and 9C , one or more winches 270 include a first selectively controllable motor 281a operatively coupled to a first drum 282a and a second It may further include a second selectively controllable motor 281b operatively connected to the second drum 282b. In turn, these motors may be coupled to a corresponding plurality of counterweights (eg, 241a and 241b).

Each winch 270 is typically configured to receive a predetermined length of cable 230 corresponding to a portion of such winch 270 . The cable 230 may be configured similarly to the cable 30 described above (eg, having a first end and a second end), each of which has a winch 270 and/or a corresponding counterweight ( 240) is terminated.

The passenger carrier 252 may be connected to the load-bearing frame 220 by a connection 255 , which may include coupled connections, U-joints, etc., or a combination thereof.

One or more winch controllers 284 may be present and may be in operative communication with one or more controllable winches 270 . In embodiments, winch controller 284 includes two or more winch controllers 284 (eg, each controllable winch 270 ) that may be arranged redundantly or independently. Includes a separate winch controller 284 for

Typically, there is also one or more programmable system controllers 290 ( FIG. 6 ) and is in operative communication with the one or more winch controllers 284 . By way of example and not limitation, a set of winch controllers 284 , eg, one to three winch controllers 284 , may be operatively coupled to an associated predetermined controllable winch 270 , and at least One programmable system controller 290 may be in operative communication with each such winch controller 284 .

One or more connection points (eg, 221 ) of the set of connection points 221 , 222 , 223 may include connection 254 ( FIG. 15 ), which may include a pivot connection, a U-joint, etc., or a combination thereof. may include

Referring again to FIGS. 10A and 10B , also in certain embodiments, there may be one or more substantially inflexible support rods 256 , and a passenger carrier 252 to the load carrying frame 220 . can be configured to connect. One or more cross-bracing pieces 257 may be connected to one or more of the substantially inflexible support rods 256 , eg, the substantially non-flexible support rods 256 . It may be swivelingly coupled to the yaw support rod 256 .

In configurations, lift support 260 may include a plurality of rails 261 , etc., on which one or more lifts 210 or pulleys (eg, pulley 214 ) )) may be mounted on the lift support 263 , for example. In such configurations, there may be one or more selectively controllable movers 262 , and a particular lift support 263 may be configured to connect to a corresponding selectively controllable mover 262 , and may be configured to allow travel of the lift 210 and/or one of its components (eg, pulley 214 ) relative to a particular lift support 260 . These controlled movements may be independent of the different controlled movements of each selectively controllable mover 262, may be performed synchronously, or a combination thereof. As illustrated in FIGS. 9A-9C , various embodiments allow for movement relative to a connection point (eg, 221 ).

In certain contemplated embodiments, support 206 includes one or more rails 203 , which rails 203 define an additional plurality of counterweight guides 205 .

Referring back to FIG. 6 , in a further embodiment, the seating system 200 may be incorporated into the theater 300, and the theater 300 includes, in addition to the seating system 200, a theater space 301 and a theater space ( an imaging screen 302 disposed within 301 , wherein the imaging screen 302 typically includes an area comprising a curved surface. The seating system 200 is typically disposed opposite an image screen 302 that is at least partially within the theater space 301 . In theater applications, there may be no essential need for overhead winch placement, and typically all cables 230 are routed up and down to a more convenient winch location. Due to rigging, frame stability is maintained.

The passenger carrier 252 is typically connected to the load-bearing frame 220 such that the human passengers contained therein are facing the image screen 302 for at least some time.

The connection of the passenger carrier 252 to the load-bearing frame 220 is one or more arranged between the passenger carrier 252 and the load-bearing frame 220 and connected to the load-bearing frame 220 by using, for example, U-joints. may include more support rods 253 .

Referring now to FIGS. 16-20C , in a third embodiment, the load bearing system 400 comprises a load bearing frame 420 comprising three connection points 421 , 422 , 433 , and three connection points three lifts 410 configured to be independently controlled with respect to the vertical positioning of the connection point of one of the lifts, the three lifts surge, swing relative to the load bearing frame 420 . and six separate triangular portions 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 and 6 ( FIG. 2 ) defining separate planes configured to stand against a yaw.

In ride systems, e.g. suspended dark rides, cable control typically has to go with a passenger support frame and may include a cabin, transport system, or a combination thereof. It must be tightly packaged with a capable passenger carrier. By way of example and not limitation, the load bearing system 400 may be located in the passenger carrier transport 402 or in a roof 453 of the passenger carrier 452 .

Referring also to FIGS. 18 and 19 , each lift 410 typically includes one or more controllable motors 481 ; One or more drums 482 operatively connected to a corresponding controllable motor 481 and configured to receive a predetermined length of a corresponding cable 430 for each portion of such drum 482 . ; a set of pulleys 411,412,413,414,415,416; and one or more cables 430 routed across a set of pulleys and to and in some embodiments through a predetermined one of the three connection points 421 , 422 , 423 . (eg, cables 431 , 432 , 433 ). Each cable 430 typically includes a first cable end 436a attached to a drum 482 and a second cable end 436b cooperatively attached to the drum 482 . As before, each cable 430 and its associated portion that load-bears the load-bearing frame 420 defines two separate triangles out of six separate triangles.

In an embodiment, each set of pulleys of the three sets of pulleys is a first pulley (eg, pulley 411 ) disposed intermediate a predetermined one of the three connection points (eg, 421 ) , and a second pulley (eg, 412) disposed in the middle of the drum (eg, drum 482) of the lift 410 associated with a predetermined one of the three connection points, opposite the first pulley (eg, 412). include

As in other embodiments, the controllable motor 481 may include a plurality of controllable motors (eg, 481a, 481b, 481c). Each controllable motor 481 may be configured to be controlled synchronously and/or independently with respect to a different controllable motor 481 . Moreover, drum 482 may include a plurality of drums 482a, 482b. In such configurations, each drum 482a, 482b is typically operatively connected to a separate controllable motor (eg, 481a). In other embodiments, each drum 482 may be operatively connected to a separate controllable motor, eg, drum 482a may be connected to motor 481a, and drum 482b may be It may be connected to a collocated but separate separately controllable motor (not shown in the figures). In embodiments where drum 482 includes a plurality of drums (eg, drums 482a and 482b), cable 430 typically has a first cable end attached to first drum 482a. 436a and a second cable end 436b attached to a second drum 482b. As in other embodiments, each cable 430 may include two or more separate cables 430 .

One or more motor controllers 484 may be present and may be in operative communication with one or more controllable motors 481 . The plurality of controllable motors 481 may be configured to be controlled synchronously and/or independently.

In embodiments, each controllable motor 481 controls the vertical positioning of one of the frame pivot attachments, such as may be at the point of connection (eg, 421 ). Various types of exemplary non-counterweight positioning are illustrated in FIGS. 20A-20C .

16 and 17 , the load bearing system 400 typically includes a lift support 460 disposed intermediate the load bearing frame 420 and the lift 410 and configured to support the lifts 410 . include In embodiments, the lift support 460 usually includes a shape that substantially conforms to the shape of the load bearing frame 420 . The set of pulleys 411 , 412 , 413,414 , 415 , 416 is typically disposed towards the outer boundary of the lift support 460 and/or between the supported pulleys.

The load bearing system 400 may further include one or more lift movers 462 operatively connected to the one or more supported lifts 410 . Each lift mover 462 permits controlled movement of its associated supported lift 410 relative to the lift support 460 in a predetermined plane (eg, along an outer boundary of the lift support 460 ). can be configured to For embodiments having multiple controllable motors 481 , lift mover 462 is operatively coupled to a plurality of lift movers 462 (eg, first controllable motor 481a ) to a first lift mover 462 and a second controllable motor 481b operably configured to allow controlled movement of the first controllable motor 481a relative to the lift support 460 in a predetermined plane. a second lift mover 462 operatively connected and operatively configured to permit controlled movement of the second controllable motor 481b relative to the lift support 460 in a predetermined plane. have.

The ride seating system 500 may include a load carrier 450 and a load bearing system 400 that are typically connected to a load bearing frame 420 . In embodiments, the load carrier 450 is suspended from the load bearing frame 420 .

In an embodiment, the ride seating system 500 includes a passenger carrier support 401 , which may include one or more tracks or rails, etc., a passenger carrier motion base 470 and a passenger It further includes a carrier 452 . One or more passenger carrier motion base controllers 473 are in operative communication with a controllable passenger carrier motion base mover 470 .

The passenger carrier motion base 470 is in movably communication with the passenger carrier support 401 and is typically suspended below the passenger carrier support 401 , and is typically in communication with one or and more controllable passenger carrier motion base movers 403 . The controllable passenger carrier motion base movers 403 are configured to controllably move the passenger carrier motion base 470 relative to the passenger carrier support 401 .

The passenger carrier motion base 470 may further include a rotator 471 and a turntable 472 , wherein the turntable 472 is rotatable on the rotator 471 about a center of rotation of the turntable 472 . connected and in operative communication with a programmable system controller 490 . All or a portion of the rotator 471 and/or turntable 472 and/or the passenger carrier motion base 470 may be located in the passenger carrier support 401 such that the passenger carrier support 401 and its components disposed within between one or more of the passenger carriers 452 .

The passenger carrier 452 may be suspended below and supported by the passenger carrier motion base 470 . The passenger carrier 452 is usually configured to receive a passenger seat for one or more passengers. In such configurations, the load bearing system 450 is typically coupled to the passenger carrier motion base 470 and the passenger carrier 452 and is disposed intermediate the passenger carrier motion base 470 and the passenger carrier 452 .

The passenger carrier 452 may or may not include a roof 453 . Lifts 410 are typically located proximate to passenger carrier transport 402 , and where a roof 453 is present, lifts 410 may be located proximate to roof 453 . As before, the plurality of controllable motors 481 may be configured to be controlled synchronously or independently. As a further example and not by way of limitation, the co-rotating motion of the controllable motors 481 for a given lift 410 may act to move the passenger carrier 452 up and down relative to the passenger carrier support 402 . have.

One or more programmable system controllers 490 are in operative communication with passenger carrier motion base controllers 473 and motor controller 484 .

Lifts 410 indicate that rotational motion in a first direction imparts lengthening of first cable portion 431c and shortening of second cable portion 431d, and reversing rotational motion It can be configured to achieve the opposite effect.

In operation of the various embodiments, in the first embodiment, the load supported by the frame 20 is resisted against surges, oscillations and yaws relative to the frame 20 by providing a load bearing system 1 as described above. can be supported at the same time. For each lift 10 of the three lifts 10 , the first end 33a of each cable 30 is connected to an associated controllable winch, eg a controllable winch 70 . The cable 30 is connected to and in some embodiments via a predetermined connection point of the three connection points 21 , 22 , 23 via the pulleys 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 , 16 . ) are routed over the associated set of . The second end 33b of each cable 30 then supports the frame 20 while resisting surges, oscillations and yaws relative to the frame 20 by changing the relative length of the cables 30. It is connected to its corresponding controllable winch 70 and lifts 10 used. As described herein, cable 30 may comprise a single continuous cable 30 having two separate ends 33a and 33b or two separate cables 31a and 31b.

Each lift 10 may be controlled independently of each other lift 10 . The controllable winch 70 includes a first selectively controllable motor 81a, a first drum 82a operatively connected to the controllable first motor 81a, a second selectively controllable motor 81b; and a second drum 82b operatively connected to a second selectively controllable motor 81b, by varying the relative length of the cable 30 to resist surges, oscillations and yaws relative to the frame 20. Using the lifts 10 to support the frame 20 while at the same time supporting the frame 20 may additionally include independently and/or synchronously controlling each of the selectively controllable first and second motors 81a and 81b. may include

In a further embodiment, the seating system 200 that withstands loads for surges, oscillations and yaws is a load bearing system 206 supported by a vertical guide 202 as described above and a lift support 260 as described above. It can be provided by providing

For each of the lifts 210 , the ends of each cable 230 are connected to its respective associated counterweight (eg, counterweight 240 ). Cable 230 is routed over an associated set of pulleys 211 , 212 , 213 , 214 , 215 , 216 to and in some embodiments through a predetermined connection point of three connection points 221 , 222 , 223 .

As described above, the passenger carrier 252 is coupled to the load bearing system 220 and is configured to support a plurality of human passengers.

Lifts 210 are used to support the load bearing system 206 while resisting surges, oscillations and yaws relative to the frame 220 by varying the relative length of one or more cables 230 . Each lift 210 may be controlled independently of the other lifts 210 , synchronously, or a combination thereof.

one or more winch controllers 284 operably coupled to each controllable winch 270 and one or more winch controllers 284 operatively communicating with the seating system 200 , or In embodiments that further include more programmable system controllers 290, using the lifts 210 to support the load bearing system 206 may include each counterweight's associated counterweight guide ( For example, to generate one or more instructions to one or more winch controllers of winch controllers 284 to achieve a desired position of each counterweight 240 relative to 205 . It may further include using one or more programmable system controllers of programmable system controllers 290 .

In further embodiments, presentation of the image within the theater may include providing the theater 300 as described above and creating a visual and/or audiovisual presentation that is sensitive to the perception of movement. A software program is created to effect movement of the passenger carrier 252 synchronized to the visual presentation.

One or more passengers are allowed to enter the passenger carrier 252 , and at a predetermined time, a visual presentation is displayed on the image screen 302 . When a show is being displayed, a software program running on the programmable system controller 290 is used to control each controllable winch 270 to effect movement of the passenger carrier 252 synchronized to the displayed show. do.

As illustrated in FIGS. 13A-13D , various pitch and roll motions may be achieved using ropes and their associated winch/motor/pulley assemblies.

In a further embodiment, as in the dark ride system, the progression of an amusement vehicle carrier, such as passenger carrier 452 , includes providing passenger carrier support 401 as described above. The passenger carrier motion base mover 403 is supported by a passenger carrier support 401 . The controllable passenger carrier motion base 470 is supported by a passenger carrier motion base mover 403 .

In the preferred embodiment, the passenger carrier 452 is suspended down and supported by the passenger carrier motion base 470 , where the passenger carrier 452 is as described above. As described above, the controllable passenger carrier motion base 470 is configured to impart motion to the passenger carrier 452 having a plurality of degrees of freedom.

One or more programmable system controllers 490 include one or more passenger carrier motion base controllers 473 , one or more motor controllers 484 , and one or more passenger carrier mover arranged in communication with the controllers 474 .

The one or more passenger carrier mover controllers 474 may include an associated set of controllable passenger carrier base movers 403 and a passenger carrier transmitted from the programmable system controllers 490 to the passenger carrier mover controllers 474 . arranged in communication with a predetermined set of mover control signals, the programmable system controllers effectively telling the passenger carrier mover controllers 474 to transmit an additional predetermined set of passenger carrier mover control signals to the passenger carrier movers 403 . command to effect movement of the passenger carrier mover 403 relative to the passenger carrier support 401 .

In addition, the passenger carrier motion base controller 473 can be configured from the controllable passenger carrier motion base 470 and one or more programmable system controllers 490 to the one or more passenger carrier motion base controllers 474 . Passenger carrier motion base controllers ( 474 to affect the movement of the associated passenger carrier motion base 470 .

Additionally, the motor controllers 484 provide an associated set of controllable motors 481 and an additional predetermined number of motor control signals transmitted from the programmable system controllers 490 to the one or more motor controllers 484 . may be placed in communication with the set of additional motor control signals to each controllable motor 481 to effect them changing the relative length of one or more of its associated cables 460 . Instructing to transmit a predetermined set is achieved to withstand surges, oscillations and yaws for frame 420 .

In various embodiments, the passenger carrier 452 runs along the length of the passenger carrier support 401 . In other embodiments, the passenger carrier 452 is suspended from a passenger carrier transport 402 including a passenger carrier motion base 470 capable of further movements (eg, in a circumferential direction relative to the connector) and , and/or may be guided along a predetermined path while supporting a traversal of the path defined by the passenger carrier support 401 . Movement may be accomplished by raising or lowering the passenger carrier 452 at various positions from cables or chains (eg, cable 430 ) attached to the load bearing system 450 .

In certain embodiments, while the passenger carrier is in the first or boarding position (eg, FIG. 12), passengers Travel to a boarding space (eg, 305 (FIG. 11)) In various embodiments, theater ride system 300 or 500 may, in boarding space 305, allow passengers to simulate their own motion. It may be designed such that the markings on the theater are not visible (eg, Fig. 11) In other embodiments, the theater ride system 300 or 500 may be configured such that passengers will board a passenger carrier (eg, 252 or 452). It can be designed so that passengers know when to traverse the ride workspace.

In some embodiments, after passengers have boarded, a passenger carrier (eg, 252 ( FIGS. 12-13D ) or 452 ( FIG. 16 )) is moved to one or more additional viewing positions and , where passengers view 2D or 3D visual images displayed on an image screen, such as image screen 302 . In certain embodiments, this movement may be accomplished by raising or lowering the passenger carrier (eg, 252 ) from cables (eg, 230 ) attached to a lifting system (eg, 260 ) proximate to the top of the theater. and the movement is substantially vertical, as illustrated in FIGS. 13A-13D . In other embodiments, the passenger carrier (eg, 452 ) is moved to one or more additional viewing positions along a path (eg, the passenger carrier support 401 ( FIG. 16 )), where the passengers are moved to a screen or a passenger View 2D or 3D visual images displayed on items that otherwise appear to people (including, but not limited to, animatronic figures, etc., as illustrated in FIGS. 16 and 17 ). In either embodiment, additional movement may be achieved by raising or lowering the passenger carrier from cables (eg, 230 or 430 ) attached to a load bearing system (eg, 250 or 450 ). Such lifting may occur while the passenger carrier (eg, 452 ) is traversing the same path as the passenger carrier transport ( 402 ).

In each theater or ride system, the passenger carrier may have multiple rows of seats, which seats may also recline from front to rear, optionally with actuators creating an impression of forward movement. It acts on the sheets to

The previous disclosure and description of the invention are illustrative and explanatory. Various changes in size, shape and materials as well as the details of the exemplary structure and/or exemplary method may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention.

Claims (20)

A seating system comprising:
The seating system comprises:
a. A vertical guide 202—the vertical guide comprising:
i. Support 207—the support includes:
1. upper portion 204;
2. a lower part 203 disposed opposite the upper part; and
3. including a counterweight guide (205) disposed intermediate the upper portion and the lower portion; and
ii. including a lift support (260) coupled to the support (207) proximate the upper portion (204);
b. A load bearing system 206 supported by the lift support 260—the load bearing system comprising:
i. a load supporting frame 220 comprising three connection points 221 , 222 , 223 ; and
ii. three lifts (210) configured to be controlled independently of one another to achieve independent vertical positioning of one of the three connection points, said three lifts being mounted on said frame Defines six separate triangular sections (1,2,3,4,5,6) defining separate planes configured to brace against surge, sway and yaw for and
Each of the lifts 210 includes:
1. counterweights (241,242,243) movably disposed about the counterweight guide (205);
2. a controllable winch (270) operatively connected to the counterweight (241);
3. A plurality of pulleys (211,212,213,214,215,216); and
4. a cable (231,232,233) operatively attached to the controllable winch (270) and routed over the plurality of pulleys and routed through one of the three connection points, the cable and the load the support frame defines two separate triangular parts of said six separate triangular parts; and
c. a passenger carrier (252) coupled to the frame (220), the passenger carrier configured to support a plurality of human passengers, the passenger carrier (252) comprising the lift support (260) and the supported by vertical guides (202);
seating system. The method of claim 1,
a. a winch controller 284 operatively connected to each controllable winch; and
b. a programmable system controller (290) in operative communication with the winch controller;
seating system. The method of claim 1,
a. three winch controllers 284, each winch controller operatively connected to a predetermined controllable winch of the controllable winches of the three lifts; and
b. a programmable system controller (290) in operative communication with each winch controller;
seating system. The method of claim 1,
The support (207) comprises a plurality of rails (207), the plurality of rails defining a further plurality of counterweight guides (205),
seating system. The method of claim 1,
a. the winches 270 are disposed proximate the bottom portion 203 of the vertical guide 202;
b. The plurality of pulleys (211,212,213,214,215,216) are disposed about the lift support (260),
seating system. The method of claim 1,
the cable (231) comprises a first terminal end (231a) and a second terminal end (231b), each of the first terminal end and the second terminal end connected to the counterweight (241);
seating system. As a theater (300),
The theater is:
a. theater space 301;
b. an image screen (302) disposed within the theater space;
c. A seating system 200 disposed opposite the image screen in the theater space—the seating system includes:
i. A vertical guide 202 disposed opposite the image screen—the vertical guide comprising:
1. Support 207—the support includes:
a. upper portion 204;
b. a lower portion 203 disposed opposite the upper portion; and
c. a counterweight guide (205) disposed intermediate the upper portion and the lower portion; and
2. including a lift support 260 connected to the support proximate to the upper portion;
ii. A load bearing system 206 supported by the lift support, the load bearing system comprising:
1. a load supporting frame 220 comprising three connection points 221 , 222 , 223 ; and
2. three lifts (210) configured to be controlled independently with respect to each other to achieve independent vertical positioning of one of the three connection points, said three lifts being said 6 separate triangles (1,2,3,4,5,6) defining separate planes configured to brace against surge, sway and yaw to the frame stipulates,
Each of the lifts is:
a. a counterweight (241,242,243) movably disposed about the counterweight guide;
b. a controllable winch operably connected to the counterweight (270);
c. a set of pulleys 211,212,213,214,215,216; and
d. and a cable (231,232,233) operatively attached to the controllable winch and routed over the set of pulleys and routed to one of the three connection points, the cable and the load bearing frame comprising the six separate define two separate triangular parts of the triangular parts of -; and
iii. a passenger carrier (252) coupled to the frame (220), the passenger carrier configured to support a plurality of human passengers;
d. a winch controller 284 operatively connected to each controllable winch; and
e. a programmable system controller (290) in operative communication with the winch controller;
theater. 8. The method of claim 7,
wherein the winch controller (284) includes a separate winch controller for each controllable winch (270);
theater. 8. The method of claim 7,
At least one connection point (221,222,223) of the three connection points (221,222,223) comprises a swinging connection (swiveling connection),
theater. 8. The method of claim 7,
further comprising a substantially flexible support rod (256) configured to connect the passenger carrier to the load bearing frame;
theater. 11. The method of claim 10,
a cross-bracing piece (257) connected to the substantially flexible support rod;
theater. 12. The method of claim 11,
the cross-bracing piece (257) is swivelingly connected to the substantially flexible support rod (256);
theater. 8. The method of claim 7,
the connection of the passenger carrier (252) to the load-bearing frame (220) comprises a jointed connection;
theater. 8. The method of claim 7,
The connection of the passenger carrier to the load-bearing frame (220) comprises a support rod disposed between the passenger carrier and the load-bearing frame using a U-joint.
theater. 8. The method of claim 7,
the support comprises a plurality of rails (203), the plurality of rails defining a further plurality of counterweight guides;
theater. 8. The method of claim 7,
f. the controllable winches 270 are disposed proximate the bottom portion of the support; and
g. the set of pulleys (211,212,213,214,215,216) is disposed around the lift support;
theater. 8. The method of claim 7,
The controllable winch includes:
h. a selectively controllable first motor 281a;
i. a first drum (282a) operatively connected to the first selectively controllable motor;
j. a second selectively controllable motor 281b; and
k. a second drum (282b) operatively connected to the second selectively controllable motor;
theater. A method of presentation of an image in a theater, comprising:
The method is:
a. providing a theater 300—the theater comprising:
i. theater space 301;
ii. an image screen (302) disposed within the theater space;
iii. A seating system 200 disposed opposite the image screen in the theater space—the seating system includes:
1. A vertical guide 202 disposed opposite the image screen—the vertical guide comprises:
a. Support 207—the support includes:
i. upper portion 204;
ii. a lower portion 203 disposed opposite the upper portion; and
iii. a counterweight guide (205) disposed intermediate the upper portion and the lower portion; and
b. a lift support (260) connected to the support proximate to the upper portion;
2. A load bearing system 206 supported by the lift support, the load bearing system comprising:
a. a load supporting frame 220 comprising three connection points 221 , 222 , 223 ; and
b. three lifts (210) configured to be controlled independently of one another to achieve independent vertical positioning of one of the three connection points, said three lifts being mounted on said frame Defines six separate triangular sections (1,2,3,4,5,6) defining separate planes configured to brace against surge, sway and yaw for and
Each of the lifts is:
i. a counterweight (241,242,243) movably disposed about the counterweight guide;
ii. a controllable winch operably connected to the counterweight (270);
iii. a plurality of pulleys (211,212,213,214,215,216); and
iv. a cable (231,232,233) operatively attached to the controllable winch and routed over the plurality of pulleys and routed through one of the three connection points, the cable and the load-bearing frame comprising: define two separate triangular parts of n separate triangular parts-; and
c. a passenger carrier (252) coupled to the frame (220), the passenger carrier configured to support a plurality of human passengers, the passenger carrier (252) comprising the lift support (260) and the supported by vertical guides 202—;
3. a winch controller 284 operatively connected to each controllable winch; and
4. including a programmable system controller (290) in operative communication with the winch controller;
b. supporting the load bearing system by the lift support;
c. generating a visual representation sensitive to the perception of movement;
d. generating a software program to effectuate movement of the passenger carrier synchronized to a visual presentation that is sensitive to perception of movement;
e. allowing a passenger to enter the passenger carrier;
f. displaying a visual representation sensitive to the perception of movement on the image screen;
g. using the lifts to support the load-bearing frame while resisting surges, oscillations, and yaws relative to the frame by changing the relative length of the cables; and
l. using the software program to control each controllable winch to achieve movement of the passenger carrier synchronized with respect to a displayed visual presentation that is sensitive to recognition of movement;
Method of screening of images in the theater. 19. The method of claim 18,
For each of the lifts,
a. connecting a first end of each cable to the counterweight;
b. routing the cable across an associated set of pulleys;
c. routing the cable to a predetermined one of the three connection points; and
d. connecting a second end of each cable to the counterweight;
Method of screening of images in the theater. 19. The method of claim 18,
Using the lifts to support the load-bearing frame while resisting surges, oscillations, and yaws relative to the frame by changing the relative length of the cables comprises each counterweight guide relative to each counterweight's associated counterweight guide. using the programmable system controller to issue commands to the winch controller to achieve a desired position of the counterweight;
Method of screening of images in the theater.

Images